QUICK REVIEW: Once I worked this neat little gadget into my daily routine – I can’t be without it. It really does give the eye area a fresh, youthful look instantly.

MONSTER BITES (March 2011): I’m so excited that I won a Clarisonic Opal from Dermstore! I love my pink Clarisonic Mia (which I use with the Delicate Brush Head) – and the Clarisonic Rep here in Hawaii (Hi Steph!) told me all RAVED about the Opal when it launched. Being the Cosmetic Monster, I was dying to get my hands on one, but being a stay-at-home Mom (who blogs about cosmetics & does freelance graphics) it was a little out of my budget. Still, it remained on my wish list.

So, you can imagine my excitement when I got the email & saw on Facebook that I was one of six who won an Opal! I really would love to hear from the other 5 winners about their Clarisonic Opal experience. So stay tuned! I’ll be doing an in-depth review about the Opal – I’ll even do before & after shots of my husband’s eye area (deeper wrinkles) and my under eye area (bags and fine lines). Mahalo Nui Loa and hugs to Dermstore and Clarisonic for this marvelous opportunity!

the REVIEW: Truth be told – I’m not sure I would have spent my own money on this beauty gadget which was originally priced at $245 for the version I received from Dermstore and Clarisonic. Originally it had caps that had the serum inside – which ended up being a bit messy and you had no idea when the serum would run out. Now priced at $185 and renovated (simple cap with separate bottle of serum – which Clarisonic generously replaced when changes were made at no cost to Opal owners) – this amazing, palm sized unit has become a must have for those with eye area issues.

I confess that my eye area is in decent shape for a 39 year old – not too many wrinkles or fine lines, so I won’t be able to comment if it has a dramatic effect on correcting crow’s feet. However, it makes a noticeable difference in circulation – banishing puffiness and sleep deprived dark circles. Hydration is also improved.

Is it better than a traditional eye cream? That’s hard to say. Since the serum is lightweight and gel based, I still “seal in” benefits with normal eye cream. Those with dry eye areas (like me) may feel this is a necessary step, particularly at night. Its also a lot more comfortable to apply a generous amount of serum to the eye area vs. depositing it in the well on the applicator.

The great thing about Clarisonic Opal Sonic Infusion System is you can also use it with other serums and on other parts of the face – including the forehead, lip area and brow bone. While the benefits are immediate and visible – the effects build over time resulting in a more youthful and fresh looking eye area. Once I worked this into my routine (I kept forgetting to use it) it has become a must-have and I see a difference when I stop using it.

CLARISONIC OPAL SONIC INFUSION SYSTEM WITH ANTI-AGING SERUM DETAILS:

A palm-sized sonic infusion device, the Opal is specially designed to help build skin’s resilience over time and prevent future damage around the eyes. By gently tapping the skin around your eye at 125 sonic movements per second, the Opal dispenses our specially formulated Anti-Aging Sea Serum, maximizing absorption in a way that’s not possible with your finger alone.

Benefits: Immediate reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for younger looking skin

We’ve heard from Opal users that their skin appears brighter, looks younger, and feels refreshed and energized. And best of all, consumers are experiencing an immediate reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Opal is perfect for the eye area and can also be used on the lip, brow, and forehead areas.

Anti-Aging Sea Serum

Dr. Robb Akridge optimized this serum for the dynamics of sonic infusion. Using his immunology expertise to promote skin health, he employed a multi-layered approach using marine extracts and botanicals that hydrate, firm, tighten and protect your skin from future damage. Our serum is gentle enough for daily use and paraben-free.

Image and Information Sources: Clarisonic.com and Dermstore.com

**This product was received as a prize from a Dermstore Giveaway. This is not an advertisement for this product. All reviews and information was gathered independently by Cosmetic Monster (or from press releases) – and no compensation is received based on the review outcome or sales generated from this review.